Last Updated on March 2026
Benton County Superior Court Information
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit the Court | Go to the Benton County Superior Court located at 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336. |
| 2. Contact Information | The court can be reached at (509) 736-3071. |
| 3. Court Hours | The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. |
| 4. Parking | Arrive early to secure parking as spaces can fill up quickly. |
| 5. Security Checkpoints | Upon entering, pass through metal detectors and have belongings screened. |
| 6. Time Allocation | Allocate extra time for security procedures to ensure smooth experience and avoid delays. |
Eligibility and Washington State Residency Requirements
In Benton County, Washington, divorces are filed under a no-fault standard, meaning there’s no need to prove wrongdoing. Most opt for declaring the marriage “irretrievably broken,” simplifying the process and avoiding emotional and time-consuming blame games. Washington State also requires one spouse to be a resident or in the military there for jurisdiction.
The 90-Day Waiting Period and Residency Rules
In Benton County, WA, there’s a 90-day waiting period after filing a divorce petition and serving the other spouse, meant to provide a cooling-off phase. One spouse must be a Washington State resident to establish jurisdiction.
How to File for Divorce in Benton County: Step-by-Step
Filing for divorce in Benton County requires careful attention to documentation and deadlines. Understanding the timeline is essential for a smooth process, from preparation to submitting your papers.
Step 1: Preparing Essential Benton County Divorce Forms
To start a divorce in Benton County, WA, you need to complete key forms, notably the Petition for Divorce and the Summons (FL Divorce 201) to dissolve the marriage and inform the other party. The Confidential Information Form is also necessary to protect sensitive information, like social security numbers and financial details. If children are involved, you must include a Parenting Plan for custody, visitation, and decision-making related to their welfare, promoting stability and reducing conflicts.
Ready to get divorced without the stress and high legal fees? Complete a quick online questionnaire and receive your fully prepared Washington divorce forms in just a few days. Start now and take the first step toward a faster, simpler divorce process.
Get Started NowStep 2: Filing Fees and Benton Clerk’s Office Procedures
As of 2026, Benton County, Washington, charges $364 to file for divorce. You can pay this fee at the County Clerk’s Office with cash, check, money order, or major cards. If you face financial hardship, you may request a fee waiver by completing a Motion for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees and Surcharges. This form is available from the clerk’s office or the Washington Courts website. You’ll need to provide a financial statement and evidence of inability to pay.
Step 3: Service of Process and Proof of Service
In Benton, Washington, after filing for divorce, the petitioner must have the divorce papers served to the respondent by an unrelated third party aged 18 or older. a professional process server can be used. The server must complete a Proof of Personal Service form, noting the time, date, and place of service, which is then filed with the court.
Requirements for Parents: The Mandatory Parenting Seminar
In Benton County, Washington, separating or divorcing parents must attend a Parent Stabilization Class. This four-hour seminar helps parents understand the impact of family changes on children and provides skills to reduce emotional stress. The course must be taken from a state-approved provider, and a Certificate of Completion is required for court proceedings.
Finalizing Your Case in Benton County Superior Court
To finalize an uncontested divorce in Benton County Superior Court, complete and submit all necessary documents. Schedule your hearing with the Courthouse Facilitator, who will help ensure your paperwork is correct. Both parties must attend the hearing unless exempted. The judge will review your case and, if everything is in order, issue the Final Decree of Dissolution, officially ending the marriage.
Sharon Cruz is a Legal Forms Specialist with over 10 years of experience researching U.S. divorce procedures and court filing requirements. Her work focuses on Washington State divorce law, drawing from publicly available statutes, Superior Court procedures, and official Washington Courts resources. As a former legal assistant, Sharon is the best when it comes to creating practical checklists for couples going through a divorce.